Composition

SALT INFORMATION

TYPICAL USAGE

To control high blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus

SIDE EFFECTS

Rapid swelling of the deep layers of skin around eyes and lips (angioedema), inflammation of liver, abnormal liver function tests, and inflammation of the pancreas. Other common side effects noted when vildagliptin is taken along with other antidiabetic agents include chills, headache, tremors, heartburn, dizziness, weakness, fever, urge to vomit (nausea), swelling of feet and lower legs, excessive sweating and fall in blood glucose (hypoglycemia).

DRUG INTERACTION

Vildagliptin may interact with thiazides (bendroflumethiazide, hydrochlorothiazide) or other diuretics, corticosteroids, thyroid medicines, medicines affecting the nervous system. Always consult your doctor for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Vildagliptin works by increasing the amount of two incretin hormones found in the body, called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). Firstly, they stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin in response to increasing levels of glucose in the blood. GLP-1 also reduces the production of glucagon (hormone that normally increases glucose production by the liver). GLP-1 and GIP are normally broken down by an enzyme in the body called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). Vildagliptin works by binding to this enzyme and preventing it from breaking down GLP-1 and GIP and thus reducing the high blood glucose level.

TYPICAL USAGE

It is used in the treatment of patient's with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes). Metformin controls high level of sugar in the blood therefore prevents kidney damage, blindness and peripheral nerve problem.

SIDE EFFECTS

The common side effects are urge to vomit, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, malabsorption of vitamin B12, taste disturbance, and altered liver functions. Also, the patient may have the side effects of lactic acidosis (symptoms are vomiting, abdominal pain with muscle cramps, not feeling well with severe tiredness, and difficulty in breathing), and skin reactions such as redness of skin, itching, hives (pale red, raised, itchy bumps of skin).

DRUG INTERACTION

Taking metformin with other anti-diabetic drugs may lead to excessive lowering of bloodsugar. If you go for an X-ray or scan, do not take metformin before and at least 48 hours afterwards. Metformin with diuretics (furosemide), anti-asthmatic drugs such as salbutamol or terbutaline, or corticosteroids (prednisone) may affect the glucose control. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Metformin decrease the level of glucose in the body by
1. Delays glucose absorption.
2. Decreases hepatic and renal glucose output.
3. Increases the peripheral glucose utilisation by enhancing anaerobic glycolysis (Breaking of sugar in the body).
4. Increasing the sensitivity of liver, muscle, fat, and other tissues to the uptake and effects of insulin.

INTERACTIONS

Can I take Galvusmet 50/500 during pregnancy?

The drug should not be used by pregnant women. Experiences of drug use and evidence from studies in pregnant women have shown high risk to fetus. The risk of drug use in pregnant women outweighs the benefit.

Can I take Galvusmet 50/500 while breastfeeding/lactation?

Contraindicated: The drug should not be used by breastfeeding women, as evidences from studies have shown that there is a high risk of causing significant damage to infants.

Can I take Galvusmet 50/500 with alcohol?

Since there is some doubt about the results of concurrent use in this interaction, it is advised to give some guidance to the patient about its possible adverse effects and/or consider close monitoring.